Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell believes his side can cause a major upset against Manchester City in the FA Cup, drawing on his own experience from Wigan Athletic’s famous 2013 Wembley triumph over the same opponents. The Scot was club captain when Wigan lifted the trophy after a 1-0 win, despite being an unused substitute due to injury.
Caldwell recalled the meticulous game plan that neutralised City, with a narrow defensive shape and high wing-backs disrupting their rhythm. He emphasised that belief, commitment and execution were key, and the same principles apply now for Exeter.
While circumstances differ greatly, with Exeter a mid-table League One club facing financial constraints, Caldwell insists the approach remains unchanged. Players must raise their standards against superior quality and speed.
Last season Exeter already showed capability in this competition by knocking out Championship side Oxford United before pushing Premier League Nottingham Forest to penalties with ten men in extra time.
Lessons from 2013 and Tactical Preparation
In 2013 Wigan, despite a huge gap in league status, executed their plan perfectly under Roberto Martinez. A 3-4-1-2 formation kept City at bay, with Joleon Lescott admitting the tactics caught them off guard.
Caldwell stressed that clarity in and out of possession, along with disciplined behaviours, will be crucial. He joked with his players that the demands against lower-tier pre-season opponents are the same, just performed to a much higher level against City.
A unique boost comes from Exeter’s final training session at Manchester United’s Carrington, thanks to Caldwell’s connection with caretaker manager Darren Fletcher. This allows them to prepare in top facilities before the Etihad clash.
Financial Boost and Club Resilience
The tie offers significant revenue for fan-owned Exeter, who face ongoing budget pressures after last season’s overspend. The Supporters’ Trust has loaned around £600,000 to keep operations going.
Club secretary Andy Gillard estimates an extra £250,000 to £400,000 from the match, describing it as a welcome boost without being a complete saviour. He noted the club is in a stronger position than during their 2005 FA Cup run against Manchester United, when gate receipts helped avoid severe debt issues.
Gillard highlighted that while survival does not depend on this game, the funds ease off-field management and provide an enjoyable challenge against one of Europe’s elite.
Players Ready to Compete
Goalkeeper Joe Whitworth, on loan from Crystal Palace, embodies the winning mentality instilled by Caldwell. Having been at City before as an unused sub, he insists the team travels to win, not just compete.
The 21-year-old praised the squad’s togetherness and defence, which ranks second-best in League One this season. He hopes to emulate Crystal Palace’s recent FA Cup final success over City and deliver a performance that makes fans proud.
Recent away games at former Premier League venues have prepared Exeter for the scale of the Etihad Stadium.
